lidar

American  

[lahy-dahr] / ˈlaɪ dɑr /

Or LIDAR

noun

Electronics, Optics.

1. a device similar to radar in principle and operation but using infrared laser light instead of radio waves and capable of detecting particles, distant objects, and varying physical conditions in the atmosphere.

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lidar Scientific  

/ lī′där /

1. A method of detecting distant objects and determining their position, velocity, or other characteristics by analysis of pulsed laser light reflected from their surfaces. Lidar operates on the same principles as radar and sonar.

2. The equipment used in such detection.

3. See also Doppler effect radar sonar

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Etymology

Origin of lidar

1960–65; li(ght ¹ ) + (ra)dar

Example Sentences

They also analyze detailed lidar images that can penetrate dense forest cover and expose scarps left behind by ancient earthquakes.

From Science Daily • May 19, 2026

Ouster’s technology gives technology developers a single sensing option that merges camera-level tech with lidar.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

Among the initiatives he oversees is the creation of a digital twin of Weyerhaeuser’s timberlands using satellite imagery, drone photography and lidar, a laser-based sensor technology that self-driving cars use to map their surroundings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Rusch believes that Tesla will struggle to deliver autonomous driving at a level that regulators will accept without light detection and ranging — or lidar — technology, which Musk has criticized.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

The practical application of lidar is a relatively recent development enabled by advances in laser, power management, and data processing technologies.

From Shock and Awe — Achieving Rapid Dominance by Wade, James P.